art
together in time
art
Together in time
a collection of 2Slgbtq+ stories
Together in Time is an art project funded by the City of Ottawa’s Diversity in the Arts Fund that works to tell 2SLGBTQ+ history creatively and collaboratively. We’re excited to invite Ottawa-based youth, individuals, community members, and organizations to apply! Any artist level is welcome, from skilled creators to first-time makers.
We like to think of it as if we’re commissioning folks to tell us a story that matters to them about 2SLGBTQIA+ community past, present, and future through art. Participants will be paid an honorarium of $450 and provided with a package containing a standard sized square panel to serve as the base of their creation. We’ll also provide online access to art and history resources to guide participants through the creation of an art piece on their square panel.
All of the participants’ square panels will then be grouped together to form a collective art piece reminiscent of a quilt. Read more about the what to expect in our Participant Information Handbook linked below:
We’ve drawn inspiration for this project from two main sources. First, is the AIDS Memorial Quilt that called on community members to commemorate those who lost their battles with HIV/AIDS. When brought together, the quilted panels formed a collection of memories and stories from the community. Our second source of inspiration is artivism, or the power that art has for activists, change-makers, and social justice advocates. We recall the words of artist-activist Toni Cade Bambara in her work towards Black Liberation: “The task of the artist is determined always by the status and process and agenda of the community that it already serves. […] As a cultural worker who belongs to an oppressed people my job is to make revolution irresistible.” (Bambara interviewed by Kay Bonetti, 1982)
Both art and history can be solitary practices. Some people are considered experts and respected, while others are left to the margins. Often those left out of places of authority are also those facing discrimination in some way, be it as the result of their race, ability, sexual orientation, gender presentation, or class. How can we break down barriers and bring people together to craft art and history collectively?
Our project invites diverse community members to reflect on their experiences, memories, understandings and translate it into art. Each individual panel will tell a unique and important story on their own, and when grouped together all of these voices will share a new story in chorus.
How can I join?
If you’re interested in being a part of our project, you can fill out the application form linked below. While we’d love to have as many participants as possible, we’ve only got spots for 40 participants. All applicants will be contacted via email once the application form closes to let them know if they’ve been selected. Keep an eye on our social media for ways to get involved even if you aren’t selected! Applications will be open until January 26th, 2022 11:59pm ET.
How are you choosing participants? How can I make my application stand out?
We’re looking for creativity, passion, and a willingness to learn. While artistic experience is welcomed, the most important aspect is your imagination when it comes to sharing stories about 2SLGBTQ+ community across time. Your connection could be personal, cultural, or still unknown! We want to create a collection of unique stories that reflect the intersections and diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
What can I expect if I’m selected?
Selected applicants will be notified by email and their package and honorarium delivered within around two weeks. They will also be invited to join one of two info sessions where the project coordinator will be available to answer any questions.
Once you’ve got your package of supplies and access to online resources, it’s time to create! Throughout the process, we’ll ask you to reflect on your inspiration for your art piece, and tell us more about you in a Workbook you’ll receive online.
You’ll have around one month to create your art piece. Once your panel is complete, we’ll pick it up along with either a digital or print copy of your Workbook. Your art piece will be grouped with the others, photographed, and exhibited online (and in-person depending on safety precautions). We’ll highlight your creation but also who you are in conversation with other great organizations and people!
Can I apply even if I’m not an artist?
Yes! We welcome anyone who is creative, whether you’re a seasoned artist, at-home craft-maker, or a first-time creator. We’ll provide you with resources to inspire and support you along the way. What matters most is how you choose to interpret 2SLGBTQ+ community and identity.
Is it okay if I don’t have art supplies?
Don’t worry about it, you can create a lot with just a pen and some imagination! We’ll be providing you with an already prepared square panel that will serve as the base of your creation. You can always use some of the honorarium to buy art supplies if you like, but we encourage you to use whatever you’ve got lying around. Paper scraps, magazine clippings, markers, pens, leaves, thread, dollar store paints — it’s entirely up to you!
How will I be able to see the finished product?
The final art piece will be displayed here on our website with information about each of the creators. We’ll also be presenting it at a virtual event, where we’ll invite creators to share their art piece and process. Stay tuned on our social media for more information!
community
volunteer
This year, the Centre is looking for remote volunteers to help with outreach and promotion of our online programming. If you are interested in volunteering, gaining valuable and marketable skills in such areas as event coordination, fundraising, public speaking, database management, networking, and social media.